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Paquette–Caruso Research Group Condensed Matter Physics of Unusual Materials Projects Interests Our research program focuses on understanding and harnessing the unique properties of amorphous hydrogenated boron carbide, which include low density, extreme hardness, extreme chemical and thermal stability, radiation hardness, high neutron capture cross section, and many useful optical/electrical properties. Solid-State Neutron Detection Optimizing Charge Transport in a Semi-Insulating Amorphous Solid Solid-state neutron detection takes advantage of the charge that is ultimately produced during a neutron capture event, which can be extracted and detected in an external circuit. The 10B isotope interacts more strongly with neutrons than do most other elements, and an all-boron-carbide neutron detector can in principle yield much higher detection efficiencies than existing detectors. This can only be realized in practice, however, if the charge transport properties of this solid can be suitably optimized. Low-k Dielectric Layers Can boron replace silicon in next-generation interconnect systems? One of the grand challenges facing the semiconductor industry is finding low-dielectric-constant (low-k) materials to replace SiO2 and related solids as an insulator in the copper-based interconnect system in integrated circuits. We are investigating whether amorphous hydrogenated boron carbide can meet not only the low-k requirements, but also the stringent mechanical, chemical, and electrical requirements for integration. Understanding Atomic Structure Probing Nanoscale Structure to Understand and Predict Macroscale Properties Determining the atomic structure of complex disordered materials is a nontrivial but critical step in being able to develop a predictive approach to materials design for twenty-first century technology needs. In collaboration with Prof. Paul Rulis (Physics) and Prof. Nathan Oyler (Chemistry), we are working to develop models for the local physical structure of amorphous hydrogenated boron carbide through simulation and experiment, as well as to develop new methods for treating the broader class of complex disordered materials in general. Relationship between atomic structure, electronic structure, and optical/electrical properties of complex materials Charge transport mechanisms in disordered solids Advanced charge transport characterization techniques Development of new unique materials and devices for next-generation technologies Facilities and Capabilities Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition Magnetron sputtering Device fabrication Photoemission spectroscopy Electrical/optical measurements Current–voltage Capacitance–voltage Photoconductivity Hall Transient space-charge-limited-current Impedance spectroscopy Spectroscopic ellipsometry